A major controversy has erupted in Kovvur, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, over allegations of unauthorized Christian prayer sessions being conducted in a government-leased BC Residential Hostel. As per Eenadu, the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) has lodged a formal complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), demanding immediate action against the misuse of state-funded property.
According to LRPF Working President A.S. Santhosh, the hostel, which accommodates over 55 Backward Class (BC) students from grades 3 to 10, is being partially used for religious activities, violating Article 28(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhitha. The provision explicitly prohibits forced religious instruction or worship in government-aided institutions without consent. Reports suggest that Christian prayer sessions are being held regularly, raising concerns over religious coercion and potential conversion attempts.
The complaint filed by LRPF highlights the unauthorized use of a government-leased BC residential hostel for Christian prayer sessions and religious gatherings, violating Article 28(3). It raises serious concerns over the forced religious influence on minor students and potential conversion attempts, disrupting their educational environment. LRPF has urged the NCPCR to intervene immediately, investigate the matter, and take strict action.
As per the Organiser, LRPF has emphasized that such activities disrupt the children’s educational environment and infringe upon their rights. The organization has urged the NCPCR to conduct an immediate investigation and take strict measures to prevent further violations. Andhra Pradesh has reportedly seen repeated instances of Christian missionary activities within government institutions, despite previous complaints.
The forum has called for stringent enforcement of laws to uphold the secular nature of state-run hostels and ensure that government-leased properties are not misused for religious purposes. The response from authorities will be crucial in determining whether such violations are curbed effectively.
LRPF had officially sent an email to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), highlighting the unauthorized religious activities taking place within the government-leased BC Residential Hostel in Kovvur. In the email, LRPF urged the commission to take immediate action, citing concerns over the violation of Article 28(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhitha and the potential religious coercion of minor students. The organization has requested a thorough investigation and strict measures to prevent further misuse of state-funded infrastructure for religious purposes.
